Tag Archives: Illinois domestic violence laws

Every year, thousands of Americans are arrested on domestic battery charges. In the state of Illinois, domestic battery is defined as the act of knowingly causing physical harm to a family or household member. A domestic battery charge can lead to potential jail time and substantial monetary fines. An aggravated domestic battery charge could result in up to seven years behind bars. If you are in the midst of a divorce, a domestic battery charge can significantly impact the well-being of you and your family. If you are accused of domestic battery, it is critically important to contact a qualified attorney, as soon as possible.

Impact on Your Family Law Case

If you are in the process of a divorce, and are accused of domestic battery, it is likely that the court’s decision will weigh the accusations heavily in their decision-making process. In a custody battle, a domestic battery charge can lead to loss of child custody and potential loss of parenting time privileges. A domestic battery charge can also impact the court’s decision on issues of property ownership and financial allocation.

Domestic abuse continues to be a massive issue for law enforcement officials throughout the United States. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately one million Americans are abused by an intimate partner, each year. Shockingly, an average of 20 Americans face domestic abuse, every single minute. If you have been abused by an intimate partner, it is incredibly important to contact the local police, and meet with a qualified domestic abuse lawyer. Coming forward about the domestic abuse you face in your relationship can be one of the most emotionally challenging moments in your life, but it can be paramount to ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Domestic Violence Can Lead to Fatal Injury

A qualified legal team can help you establish an order of protection, and in doing so protect you from your assailant. In cases of domestic abuse, it is important to react quickly and inform both law enforcement and your legal representatives of the true extent of the violence. Domestic violence can escalate from minor transgressions to life-threatening violence, rapidly. According to studies conducted by the NCADV, just under 20% of all domestic violence incidents involve use of a weapon. The likelihood of homicide increases by a staggering 500% when a gun is present during the violence. Despite the life-threatening nature of domestic abuse cases, only 34% of people injured by an intimate partner, ever receive medical attention for the injuries they have suffered.